Mark Hughes: Stoke is not afraid of Arsenal

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes says his team is not afraid of facing title-chasing Arsenal as he prepares to welcome the Gunners to the Britannia Stadium.

The Potters face Arsene Wenger’s men on Saturday with the north Londoners going into the game just a point behind leader Chelsea.

Arsenal has rarely enjoyed its visits to the Britannia Stadium, winning just one of seven visits and Hughes feels his team will once again make it difficult for the Gunners.

“This game doesn’t hold any fears for us, because we have come up against other so called stronger teams in the league and performed really well, especially at home,” he told the club's official website. “We are really looking forward to the game to be perfectly honest, and there is absolutely no apprehension in terms of our attitude to the game.

“It’s all about going out there, doing the right things and then hopefully being rewarded with all three points – that is the aim.”

Stoke has already recorded victories over Chelsea and Manchester United at home this season and Hughes says that will give his players confidence going into the game.

“It’s a credit to the lads that they have been able to produce what they have done against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium this season,” he added. “Because of that we know that we can cause the stronger teams in the league a lot of problems, and Arsenal will know that themselves too.

“They won’t underestimate us one bit, just as nobody does when they come here to face us at our place.”